Arlington Hopes Cowboys Bring It Home Again

Home Games Bring Big Bucks to Arlington

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Arlington restaurants like Humperdink's hope for at least one more home Cowboys game.

When the Cowboys play, whether it's win or lose, it's a win for businesses that call the stadium their neighbor.

If they win Sunday night against the New York Giants, they'll play at home next weekend, which would mean big business for North Texas. Arlington hotels and restaurants are getting ready for that possibility and the Cotton Bowl already scheduled for Friday.

Sports bar Humperdink's doubles its work force on game days. It means better tips for the bartenders and waiters from local and out-of-town customers.

"It's definitely a crazy madhouse here," said bartender Alexa Perry. "You can definitely tell which teams have the better following. The New York Giants are definitely a big rival for Dallas Cowboys."

An economic impact study shows every home game brings in $2 million to Arlington's economy. About a tenth of that goes directly to the city government in the form of taxes. At local hotels, 4,000 to 5,000 room nights are sold for each home game.

Since the Cowboys moved to Arlington, the Black Eyed Pea across from the stadium has become one of the busiest locations in the entire restaurant chain.

"I love the fact 'cause we get a lot of fun fans in here, and they are so hyped up and they are ready to eat and go have a lot of fun at the Cowboys that day," said assistant general manager Steven Kelly.

Football fans buy gift cards just to park in their lot for free. That alone makes up 30 percent of the restaurant's revenue on game days.